Overview :

Travel by car during a winter storm can be extremely hazardous. The risk can be reduced by careful planning and prudent action.

Hazards:

(1) cold injury

(2) carbon monoxide poisoning

(3) trauma from falls (including falls off a bridge or precipice)

(4) trauma from vehicular accidents related to ice and poor visibility

(5) panic

Prevention:

(1) Avoid travel by car if a winter advisory has been posted, especially in the mountains.

(2) Make sure that the car contains flares, blankets or a sleeping bag, boots, extra gloves and socks, sweaters, first aid kit, shovel, batteries, flashlight, jumper cables, orange emergency sign, water, high calorie snacks and antifreeze.

(3) Carry a cell phone or 2-way radio.

(4) Make sure that the car is operating well, the battery is good and that you have as much gasoline as possible.

Actions if caught during a storm:

(1) Pull off the road, being careful to avoid ditches or fall offs.

(2) Turn on a hazard light if available. Avoid running down the car battery.

(3) Place a distress signal from the antenna.

(4) Remain with the car. Only attempt to leave the car if a building is visible and open for shelter.

(5) Run the engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour. Open a window slightly and make sure the tail pipe is not covered by snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

(6) If more than 1 person is in the car, huddle together to conserve body heat.

(7) If on a highway be careful to avoid being struck by another vehicle.

After the storm has passed:

(1) Place a warning sign or blanket out on top of snow to alert air patrols.

(2) Stay with the car if possible. If the snow is not too deep, clothing and boots are adequate and reliable landmarks are present, then it may be possible to leave the car.

Barnes SB. Chapter 21: Winter storm disasters. pages 202-211 (page 203). IN: Hogan DE, Burstein JK. Disaster Medicine. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2002.

Survivng old man winter. Occup Healthy Safety. 1998; 67: 186-187.